Suboxone is a medication-assisted treatment typically prescribed for Opioid Use Disorder. It can be a very effective treatment if used under medical supervision to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings.
There are certain factors that can impact how long it takes for Suboxone to kick in. So, in this article we will discuss:
- How long it generally takes for Suboxone to kick in
- The factors that affect how long it takes for Suboxone to kick in
- What to do if you don’t feel anything
- How long Suboxone effects should last.
Let’s get started.
How Long Does it Take for Suboxone to Kick In?
When taken as a pill or sublingual film, Suboxone starts to work once it has dissolved in the mouth. This takes about However-30 minutes.
However, the patient will start to feel the effects 20-60 minutes after taking the first dose. Peak effects occur at around 1 hour and 40 minutes after administration.
The Factors That Affect How Long It Takes For Suboxone to Kick In
Dosage
Doctors should start their patients on 4mg of Suboxone for the initial dose, doubling it within the hours following if required. How quickly these adjustments happen will affect how much medication appears in the bloodstream, and subsequently how quickly the onset of effects will occur.
Method of administration: Suboxone Pills vs. Strips
Suboxone can come in the form of a strip or tablet. Both are designed to dissolve under the tongue instead of being swallowed and take around 20-60 minutes to take effect. Pills may take longer to have an effect as they don’t dissolve as easily as strips.
History and severity of opioid misuse
Patients who have a severe history with opioids may take longer to stabilize on Suboxone. This means that it may take longer for them to feel the effects.
Individual metabolism
Factors such as weight can affect how Suboxone is metabolized. For instance, heavier people experience the effects of Suboxone quickly due to greater basal metabolic rates.
Tolerance
Patients with high opioid tolerance will experience a delayed response to Suboxone treatment. This is due to their bodies’ adaptation to higher opioid doses. Delay may also come down to cross-tolerance, as other opioids used in the past can create a tolerance to Suboxone.
Presence of other substances
Consuming other substances such as alcohol can interfere with absorption of Suboxone. Slower absorption will result in a slower onset of the effects of the medication.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Feel Anything?
If you are not feeling the effects after taking Suboxone, wait an hour until further action. You may be able to take a second 4mg dose after that, but be sure to consult your healthcare provider.
If you are still feeling intense withdrawals after a second dose, you may be experiencing precipitated withdrawal. If so, it’s important to get in contact with your healthcare provider.
How Long Will Suboxone Effects Last?
Suboxone effects will vary in duration. At low doses (2mg), the effects will last up to 12 hours. However, at high doses (16mg – 32mg), effects may last for 72 hours.
Conclusion
There is no definite answer for how long it takes for Suboxone to kick in. However, generally speaking, effects should begin after an hour.
Factors such as metabolism, dosage, and tolerance are all influential. Overall, patients should always use Suboxone under medical supervision and consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.
References:
- https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-suboxone-start-working-3557484/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851017/
- https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/nz-guidelines-buprenorphine-2010.pdf
- https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/unobserved-home-induction-patient-guide.pdf
- https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/nz-guidelines-buprenorphine-2010.pdf
